Avast ye, scallywags! The Supreme Court be demandin' that Trump answer to the special counsel's immunity plea ere Christmas!
2023-12-11
Arrr, the Highest Court be hastenin' this here appeal and be demandin' Trump's scurvy lawyers to reply to the motion by next Wednesday, December 20. Avast, me hearties, the legal battle be sailin' forward!
The Supreme Court is considering a petition by special counsel Jack Smith on whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted for plotting to overturn the 2020 election results. Smith has requested the court to expedite the process to prevent any delays that could push back the trial until after next year's presidential election. Trump's trial in the election interference case is scheduled to begin in March.The Court has asked Trump's lawyers to respond to the special counsel's motion by December 20. The next scheduled conference day for the Court to consider such matters is January 5, 2024. Trump's presidential campaign criticized Smith's attempt to bypass the appeals court and have the Supreme Court take up the matter directly.
A federal judge ruled that the case could go forward, but Trump plans to ask the federal appeals court in Washington to reverse the outcome. Smith argues that this case presents a fundamental question about whether a former President is immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office. Trump's campaign accused Smith of rushing the trial to injure Trump and his supporters.
The court is next scheduled to meet privately on January 5, 2024. The issue at hand is a ruling by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan that rejected Trump's claim of immunity from federal prosecution. If the justices get involved, they would have the opportunity to rule on whether ex-presidents enjoy immunity from prosecution. The Justice Department policy prohibits the indictment of a sitting president.
Trump's lawyers argue that he cannot be charged for actions that fell within his official duties as president. Smith's team believes that the matter needs to be resolved promptly and is an extraordinary case. Prosecutors are also asking the court to consider Trump's claim that he cannot be prosecuted for conduct for which he was already impeached.
If the Supreme Court declines to step in, Trump's appeal would continue at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Smith has requested quick review there as well, but it may not reach the Supreme Court in time for review before the court's summer break.